Donald Trump set to U-turn on Obamacare repeal

In a major U-turn which may upset many of his devoted followers, President-elect Donald Trump has said he may not fully repeal Obamacare.

The Affordable Care Act, enacted by outgoing President Obama in 2010, was the most significant overhaul of the United States' healthcare system since 1965.

Mr Trump campaigned hard on his desire to repeal Obamacare, with running mate Mike Pence saying "the case has never been stronger for a repeal".

"Obamacare has to be replaced, and we will do it, and we will do it very quickly," Mr Trump said on the campaign trail. "Insurers are leaving, premiums are soaring, doctors are quitting, companies are fleeing."

The U-turn comes after Mr Trump met with Obama at the White House on Friday (NZ time), after which he said he favours keeping at least two parts of the Act.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Mr Trump supports keeping the prohibition on denying coverage based on patients' pre-existing conditions as well as a provision that extends children's coverage on their parents' insurance policy.

Trump explained why he has reversed on his stance, saying "it's different" now he has been elected.

However, the Republican still affirmed that Obamacare will at least be amended or replaced in part, as it is "unaffordable".